NFL says Elliott's decision to drop appeal speaks for itself

The NFL officially responded to Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott withdrawing his appeal of his suspension Wednesday.

"His decision speaks for itself," NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said via Tom Pelissero of USA TODAY Sports.

Elliott's suspension has been vacated and reapplied several times before it was once again reinstated by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit on November 9. The running back left the country shortly thereafter to clear his head.

Related: Ezekiel Elliott to withdraw appeal, serve remainder of suspension

After dropping his appeal, Elliott will be eligible to return in Week 16.

Elliott ranks third in the NFL with 783 rushing yards and his absence is a crushing blow to the Cowboys' offense.